Driver of the No. 98 Ferrellgas / Agrisure Viptera / Drive for Savings Chevrolet Silverado
Michigan International Speedway
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race 15 of 25 – Michigan International Speedway
Doing Work in the Off Weeks:
It may have been three weeks since ThorSport Racing rookie Dakoda Armstrong has seen NASCAR Camping World Truck Series competition, but the 20-year-old hasn’t had much time off. Following his last showing at Lucas Oil Raceway at the end of July, Armstrong has been busy testing with his No. 98 Ferrellgas /Agrisure / Drive For Savings team, working on setups and communication, as well as some extra-curricular charity work.Crew chief Dan Stillman and his ThorSport Racing crew traveled with chassis No. 32 to Mooresville, North Carolina last week for some time on the seven post and pull down rig. After finishing up there, the team made the trek back to Sandusky for a test on Friday at Sandusky Speedway.
“The biggest thing we worked on in North Carolina was shock and spring combinations. We’re trying to max everything out setup wise before we get Dakoda into the truck, and then work on the rest when we get to the track,” Stillman explained.
“We had a great opportunity to take our Chevy Silverado to Sandusky Speedway and work with my team on our chemistry,” Armstrong said. “My teammate Matt Crafton was there to help me understand what I’m feeling in the truck, and my crew chief and I were able to make gains on what adjustments to make in certain situations that will help me. It was a good day overall.”
Grand Opening at ThorSport Racing: Joining the rest of the ThorSport Racing organization, Armstrong will play a part in the Grand Opening ceremonies at the brand new racing facility in Sandusky, Ohio on Wednesday.
“The shop is great is really big and it’s nice for our team. I think it gives them more confidence because they’re working in a state of the art facility. Even though the 98 guys are new to ThorSport, it’s cool for them to come into something so nice,” Armstrong commented.
Fishing for a Cause at Michigan: Prior to competition on the track this weekend at Michigan International Speedway, Dakoda Armstrong will join other drivers and crew members of the NASCAR community for the second annual “Fish Your Bass Off” tournament at Jerry’s Pub & Restaurant on Wampler’s Lake. The tournament is 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, August 18, and will benefit MIS Cares, a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the NASCAR Foundation.
Honoring a Special Family at MIS: ThorSport Racing will host the family of Sandusky Police Officer Andrew Dunn this weekend at Michigan. Dunn tragically lost his life in the line of duty earlier this year. The Dunn Family will also make a special appearance at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the ThorSport Racing shop, where they will be presented with a donation check from the team. Each truck will also have a special decal honoring Officer Dunn as they race around the 2-mile oval this weekend.
Chassis History: Stillman and the No. 98 Ferrellgas/Agrisure/Drive For Savings team will bring chassis No. 32 to Michigan International Speedway this weekend. This particular truck raced earlier this season at Kansas Speedway with Matt Crafton at the controls.
What are your thoughts on Michigan Int’l Speedway?
“I enjoyed racing there in the ARCA Racing Series last year, but everyone I’ve talked to says it’s different in the trucks. From what I hear, it’s almost like a superspeedway and the draft may come into play. It’ll be something to get used to; I’m just focused on getting laps and getting used to it.”
What do you think is the biggest challenge at Michigan?
“Definitely the aerodynamics and how it affects the trucks. I haven’t felt that too much yet on the larger tracks, and with Michigan being one of the biggest and fastest, it’ll be something to get used to during the race.”
- ThorSport Racing Press Release
